New Ballard Score Sheet

BEDAH SARAF Bayi prematur from info-bedah-saraf.blogspot.com

Introduction

The New Ballard Score Sheet is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the gestational age of newborns. This scoring system takes into account physical and neurological characteristics of the baby to determine their age in weeks. It is an important tool in the field of neonatology, as it helps healthcare providers monitor the growth and development of premature infants.

How Does It Work?

The New Ballard Score Sheet consists of various assessments that are scored on a scale. These assessments include measurements of physical characteristics such as skin texture, lanugo, and breast development, as well as neurological signs such as posture and square window. Each assessment is given a score based on the baby’s characteristics, and these scores are then added together to determine the gestational age.

Physical Characteristics Assessed

The physical characteristics assessed in the New Ballard Score Sheet include:

Skin texture – The texture of the baby’s skin is assessed, with a smooth texture indicating a younger gestational age.
Lanugo – The amount of lanugo, or fine hair, on the baby’s body is assessed. More lanugo indicates a younger gestational age.
Plantar surface – The appearance of the baby’s foot is assessed. A flat foot with little to no creases indicates a younger gestational age.
Breast development – The development of the baby’s breasts is assessed, with more developed breasts indicating a older gestational age.
Eyes and ears – The size and shape of the baby’s eyes and ears are assessed. Less developed eyes and ears indicate a younger gestational age.

Neurological Signs Assessed

The neurological signs assessed in the New Ballard Score Sheet include:

Posture – The baby’s posture is assessed, with a more flexed posture indicating a younger gestational age.
Square window – The baby’s ability to flex their wrist is assessed. A greater flexion indicates a younger gestational age.
Arm recoil – The baby’s arm recoil is assessed, with a better recoil indicating a older gestational age.
Popliteal angle – The angle at the back of the baby’s knee is assessed. A smaller angle indicates a younger gestational age.
Scarf sign – The baby’s ability to cross their arm to their opposite shoulder is assessed. A greater ability to cross indicates a older gestational age.

Sample New Ballard Score Sheets

Here are five sample New Ballard Score Sheets:

Sample 1:

Skin texture: 3

Lanugo: 2

Plantar surface: 1

Breast development: 2

Eyes and ears: 4

Posture: 3

Square window: 2

Arm recoil: 1

Popliteal angle: 2

Scarf sign: 1

Total score: 21

Gestational age: 35 weeks

Sample 2:

Skin texture: 2

Lanugo: 3

Plantar surface: 2

Breast development: 1

Eyes and ears: 3

Posture: 2

Square window: 3

Arm recoil: 2

Popliteal angle: 1

Scarf sign: 2

Total score: 21

Gestational age: 35 weeks

Sample 3:

Skin texture: 1

Lanugo: 4

Plantar surface: 3

Breast development: 3

Eyes and ears: 2

Posture: 1

Square window: 4

Arm recoil: 3

Popliteal angle: 3

Scarf sign: 3

Total score: 27

Gestational age: 38 weeks

Sample 4:

Skin texture: 4

Lanugo: 1

Plantar surface: 4

Breast development: 4

Eyes and ears: 1

Posture: 4

Square window: 1

Arm recoil: 4

Popliteal angle: 4

Scarf sign: 4

Total score: 35

Gestational age: 42 weeks

Sample 5:

Skin texture: 2

Lanugo: 2

Plantar surface: 2

Breast development: 2

Eyes and ears: 2

Posture: 2

Square window: 2

Arm recoil: 2

Popliteal angle: 2

Scarf sign: 2

Total score: 20

Gestational age: 34 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the New Ballard Score Sheet?

The New Ballard Score Sheet is a tool used to assess the gestational age of newborns.

2. How does the New Ballard Score Sheet work?

The New Ballard Score Sheet consists of various assessments that are scored on a scale. These assessments include physical and neurological characteristics of the baby.

3. Why is the New Ballard Score Sheet important?

The New Ballard Score Sheet helps healthcare professionals monitor the growth and development of premature infants.

4. How accurate is the New Ballard Score Sheet?

The New Ballard Score Sheet is considered to be a reliable tool for assessing gestational age, but it is not 100% accurate.

5. Who uses the New Ballard Score Sheet?

The New Ballard Score Sheet is used by healthcare professionals, particularly those working in neonatology.

6. Can the New Ballard Score Sheet be used for full-term babies?

Yes, the New Ballard Score Sheet can also be used to assess the gestational age of full-term babies.

7. Are there any limitations to the New Ballard Score Sheet?

While the New Ballard Score Sheet is a useful tool, it does have some limitations. It may not be as accurate for babies with certain medical conditions or those who are small for gestational age.

8. How often is the New Ballard Score Sheet used?

The New Ballard Score Sheet is typically used within the first few hours or days after a baby is born.

9. Can the New Ballard Score Sheet be used by parents?

The New Ballard Score Sheet is primarily used by healthcare professionals and may require specialized training to administer and interpret.

10. Are there any alternative methods for assessing gestational age?

Yes, there are other methods for assessing gestational age, such as ultrasound and prenatal history, but the New Ballard Score Sheet is one of the most commonly used tools.